Gianni Versace (1946-1997), the Italian designer extraordinaire, was known for his use of bright and colorful printed fabrics to craft his fanciful designs. In tribute, the fashion world has embraced paisley patterns for their spring collections. They were featured prominently on the catwalks of contemporary designers like Stella McCartney and many others during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC. While not a new pattern, the re-imagining of color and silhouette is what keeps this venerable print fresh and wearable.

Defined as a teardrop-shaped, vegetable motif of Indian and/or Persian origin, the pattern got its western name from the town of Paisley, in central Scotland. As the center of the weaving industry in the 19th century, Paisley also became the name of the pattern as well. Fortunately for all of us fashion followers, this print has real staying power. In the present day, it is used in many ways for garments and home furnishings alike. The Goodwill Store & Donation Center is a great place to find variations on this print!

Lately high-end fashion designers have been blowing this pattern up and making it look more abstract, paying homage to Mr. Versace. A sophisticated look like swirling on shift-dresses and scarves can add panache to an otherwise ho-hum outfit. Don’t be afraid of patterns like this. If you’re at all shy, just stick with tones and colors that are more neutral and you’ll be good to go. A paisley print blouse could be a wonderful addition to any woman’s working wardrobe, adapting the trend in an easy way!

Scan the Goodwill racks carefully and you’ll discover hidden fashion treasures just like I do. For example, on a sunny Saturday afternoon, I spied a sleeveless print blouse with ruffles down the front for $3.99, a colorful sheath dress from Ann Taylor for $6.99, a NEW bright paisley skirt for $3.99 and the blouse I mentioned earlier in muted tones for just $3.99!

Accessories can also take advantage of the paisley touch. Items such as scarves, hats, handbags and even shoes look bright and fun when done in this rich pattern. That is why contemporary style often reaches back, time and time again, for those proven prints of the past!

Goodwill Store & Donation Centers are a great place to look for items that you might not consider wearing “as is”, but instead utilize for their fabric. If you’re a home-sewing fanatic, you may already know that the outdated, silk, paisley dress on the rack can be recycled or “up-cycled” into a new blouse, scarf or other useful and beautiful item for your wardrobe. The added benefit is that you’ll truly be wearing something that no one else will have!

From mild to wild, quiet to bold, there is literally a paisley item to suit everyone’s taste. So why not try doing “Runway Looks” the “Real Way” by shopping at your local Goodwill today!